Kano Royal Crisis: Gov Yusuf Confers With NSA Over Lock Jam

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the ongoing  tussle for the control of Kano royal stool, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf,  a prime figure in the dispute, on Thursday, May 30,2024, paid a visit to  the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, at his office in Abuja.

The Source reports that the Kano State authorities had last Saturday, May 25, accused Ribadu of facilitating the re-entry into Kano earlier in the day of the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero .

The State’s Deputy Governor, Abdulsalami Gwarzo, had specifically alleged that  the  NSA provided the two aircrafts and Security Operatives that escorted Emir Bayero back to the ancient city after less than a day that he left in deference to the 48 hour dateline issued by Governor Yusuf for the dethroned five Emirs  to vacate their various palaces.

However, Ribadu instantly rejected the allegations, demanding instead a retraction and public apology from the kano state authorities, and or risk a legal battle.

His 24hour ultimatum was however met, with the Kano State Deputy Governor, last Sunday May 26, tendering a public apology to the NSA.

He blamed the State Government position on a misleading intelligence, noting that the State authorities and the good people of Kano sincerely regretted any inconveniences its accusations may have caused the person and office of the NSA .

Reasons for the  visit by Governor  Yusuf to Ribadu which was  announced on his official site on Thursday, however remain unknown, as he only stated that both of them had fruitful discussions.

But speculations have been rife that the sudden visit might not be unconnected with the dicey situation in the state over the Emirship feud.

An authoritative source revealed that one of the major reasons for the visit was the Governor’s seemingly frustration with the attitude of Heads of Security Agencies towards his authority as the Chief Security officer of the state .

For one, ever since last Thursday, May 23, when Governor Yusuf, in disregard of  a restraining court order proceeded to remove Emir Bayero and those of Gaya,Rano,Karaye,and Bichi ,he has found himself walking a parallel path with heads of security agencies, who have  insisted on obeying the restraining order to the letter.

Governor Yusuf’s worsening working relationships with co-members of the State Security Council , the source further revealed has been a matter of great concern for the State authorities.

His visit to the NSA is said to be at once a  trouble shooting effort aimed at rejiging his relationship with the Security Chiefs, and to seek ways out of the current royal lock jam.